Shanling - EM5

The all-new Shanling EM5 offers varied connections for a centralised audio installation. The device features three different headphone outputs (6.35mm single-ended/ 4.4mm & balanced 4-pin XLR) along with two pre-amplified analogue outputs on RCA & XLR connectors. The headphone output stage is capable of delivering a comfortable power of 540mW. It takes advantage of an extremely clean and dynamic signal thanks to two TPA6120A2 chips from Texas Instruments. EM5 comes with customised closed Android OS enabling the EM5 to serve as a standalone music system. No need for a computer or complicated connections. Simply enjoy direct access to your music collection and streaming services.

The Shanling EM5 features an audio conversion stage that relies on a high-quality AK4493EQ chip. These newer generations of AKM 32bit chips feature 'Velvet Sound technology' and CPAF low-pass filtering technology, ensuring a low level of distortion with a large dynamic range while ensuring clean sound reproduction. The digital to analogue circuit of EM5 is also accompanied by Panasonic Tantalum-Polymer capacitors, allowing high accuracy and less sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and therefore contributing to reduced signal-to-noise ratio. With 0.01% accuracy and great stability, thin-film resistors represent a key part of EM5’s design. Finally, the analogue signal at the output of the DAC circuit embeds an OP+BUF audio circuit, delivering a remarkably controlled and impressive output.

Shanling EM5 offers various possibilities of integration and ways of sending the digital audio signal to the EM5. Its digital circuit is accessible via a USB input, a coaxial input and an optical input. It also has wired network connectivity via RJ45 connector and even can read files from USB storage devices. Wireless connectivity is included allowing the EM5 to receive audio streams via a WiFi (2.4 & 5G) connection & two-way Bluetooth 4.2 onboard the circuit. Shanling's EM5 is compatible with DLNA & Airplay standards and supports high definition Bluetooth audio streaming with support for LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX and SBC formats.

The audio architecture of the Shanling EM5 supports playback of high-resolution files. EM5 is capable of reading DSD file format up to DSD256 and also supports 8x MQA decoding. MQA format allows sound reproduction as close as possible to the quality of the original recordings. EM5 supports 8X MQA playback from locally stored files, streaming apps and over USB input. Thanks to the AGLO (Android Global Lossless Output), music from all apps is processed precisely and at its full quality, without any degradation. Embedding the latest technology EM5 is Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless Audio Certifications from the Japan Audio Society. Thanks to 4 different gain settings, EM5 can be easily paired with a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding full-size headphones.

Built and designed keeping in mind ease of use, the EM5 comes bundled with Android OS and features a 4.7 HD touchscreen. The touchscreen displays vivid colours and offers an optimal visual experience with an intuitive and easy user experience. The touch interface makes it easy to control the Android OS and allows one to take advantage of its many streaming applications. EM5 also comes with a companion app called “Eddict Player App”. The app lets you take complete control over the EM5 from your smartphone or tablet, offering seamless display mirroring, giving you access to all the features. EM5 also features a gold plated volume wheel for a touch of luxury.

To achieve the highest level of audio performance in Shanling EM5, the engineers decided to split the power supply between two sections. Analogue components are powered by a small and highly efficient toroidal transformer, combined with high-performing German capacitors, helping to achieve cleaner and smoother sound. Two Japanese KDS active crystal oscillators in conjunction with Shanling’s improved algorithm provides a more accurate clock signal and reduces jitter. All this is housed in a chassis that features an Air Gap design, allowing for a faster and more effective heat dissipation effect in the compact body of EM5.